Setting up a western hunting rig. First of rifle is a .300 wm. First hunt will be spot and stalk spring black bear in Montana. What would be a good factory ammo choice for this critter? Next question is should I put a bipod on the rifle? What are yall doing, I really like my atlas pods but I also would be fine shooting off a pack. And lastly what slings are you using for sneaking around the mountains?
Hunting & Fishing bullet selection, bipod, sling help for new rifle.
- Thread starter Nuke Man
- Start date
Federal 180gr Nosler Partition. In my experience, the Partition has never failed close and far, standard or horse power calibers. Other bullets have better certain characteristics for bullets but the Partition for me has done it all; always flew true, drove deep, expanded, held together.
I prefer a light weight simple sling, no padding or extra width. The rifle is hooked and carried on my pack, not on my shoulder, 90% of the hunt.
Over the last few years, bipods on hunting rigs have become more popular. To me, they add unwanted weight, I already have a pack, use it, I have a trekking pole, use it.
Sling sticks are a option, I think it comes to understanding what they and not trying to do what they are not. I have never used them but sold them by the truck load with way more love for them than hate. But, like I said, last few years their popularity has fallen for bipods. Only you can decided if they work for you.
I prefer a light weight simple sling, no padding or extra width. The rifle is hooked and carried on my pack, not on my shoulder, 90% of the hunt.
Over the last few years, bipods on hunting rigs have become more popular. To me, they add unwanted weight, I already have a pack, use it, I have a trekking pole, use it.
Sling sticks are a option, I think it comes to understanding what they and not trying to do what they are not. I have never used them but sold them by the truck load with way more love for them than hate. But, like I said, last few years their popularity has fallen for bipods. Only you can decided if they work for you.
Black bear aren't that tough, any decent =/> 150 gr bullet will work.
I want light when "sneaking around mountains". I'm a huge fan of the Model 70 Featherweights. But it sounds like you already picked your rifle. I don't like bipods, the add un-necessary weight, not to mention they are always getting tangled up on something.
Shooting off a pack works. Lot faster then loading bipods. I like and use the tanner type 1907 military sling. To me its more stable then bipods, fast to get into, works prone, setting and kneeling. For added support rest your forearm (while slung up) on the pack, rock, tree, or what ever.
Also easy to carry.
A lot of people carry walking sticks while hunting. Good for wading the fast running creeks you find in the mountains. If you get the right style shooting stick, it can double as a walking sick in addition to support for shooting. Shooting sticks require practice to be used right but can be a stable platform if used correctly. Kind of like using ski poles. I use to teach shooting from ski poles and they can be very accurate.
I want light when "sneaking around mountains". I'm a huge fan of the Model 70 Featherweights. But it sounds like you already picked your rifle. I don't like bipods, the add un-necessary weight, not to mention they are always getting tangled up on something.
Shooting off a pack works. Lot faster then loading bipods. I like and use the tanner type 1907 military sling. To me its more stable then bipods, fast to get into, works prone, setting and kneeling. For added support rest your forearm (while slung up) on the pack, rock, tree, or what ever.
Also easy to carry.
A lot of people carry walking sticks while hunting. Good for wading the fast running creeks you find in the mountains. If you get the right style shooting stick, it can double as a walking sick in addition to support for shooting. Shooting sticks require practice to be used right but can be a stable platform if used correctly. Kind of like using ski poles. I use to teach shooting from ski poles and they can be very accurate.
While not the seasoned hunter as the two gentlemen before me, my opinion is a little different. I always have a bipod on my guns, weight is not as big a concern for me, my rifles are usually 12-18 lbs anyways. Like Kraig mentioned a good 150 or so bullet should do fine. Whatever bullet your rifles shoots best is where I would start, and stick with what works for you. As far as a sling, I am not real particular, if it holds the gun comfortably, its good.
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If the rifle is going on your shoulder and you are walking long distances then the claw slings are the only ones I have found that don't slide off your shoulder. If it is going to be carried in a pack then any sling will just be in the way. I took bipods off my hunting guns and started carrying a bog pod so I could shoot over tall grass and weeds in the midwest. When I hunt out west I typically just shoot prone off my backpack.
Thanks gentlemen! Solid advice, exactly what I'm looking for. When I get this thing all done I will be sure to show yall what I went with. Then after the hunt how everything worked. Still waiting for the rifle to show up.
